ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 49, 22 November 1926, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS

“ELIZA COMES TO STAY.” Joseph Cunningham’s New English Comedy Company, which has won its way til (he hearts of Wellington theatregoers by sheet- merit in production and artistry. will present at the Grand Opera [louse to-night another London hall-marked success, 11. V. Esmond’s farcical comedy iu three acts. “Elizu Comes to Stay.” It will be remembered that this farce comedy was first produced in Loudon in 1921 and was acclaimed as the greatest laughing success since "Clm iley’rf Aunt.” Its fame as an unusual success spread to New York and Paris, where it repeated its achievements, and in Sydney and Melbourne it held the public over the period of it.- engagement. New Zealand lias had to wait for Messrs. Smith and Edgley to give them the niipoi-tunitv of seeing this famous farce, with Miss Zillah Bateman. The company. which has been chosen for its versatility, should be splendidly suited to the different parts in “Eliza Comes to Stay.” and a memorable tier forimince. in more senses than one. is promised. Miss Bateman will be supported In- Mr. Campbell Conelin as the Honourable Sandy Vorrall. Miss Henrietta Cavendish as I,adv Penny hrooke. Air. Frank Bradley ns Montagu Jordan. Mr. Norman Carter as Alexander Stoop ’’-‘l-rail. Miss Sylvia flsf. ton ns Miss '"era Laurence, and Ali«s Beryl Bnrrnclnugh ns Mr=. Allaway. The box plans are at the Bristol. HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE. "Stop-Press,” the title given Elector St. Clair’s next revue promises the very latest in comedy doings, songs, sketches, and dances. These little plotless revues seem to excel each other as the weeks go by. Hector St. Clair, with a penchant for holding conversations with himself, is delightfully original in al Iho does, and his spontaneous humour nnd quaint, easy. confidential manner not only invoke happy laughter from his appreciative audience, but also very often amongst members of his own company. In addition to the very excellent cast previously constituting the' Hector St. Clair revue combination, the company has been further augmented bv the inclusion of Air. Los Pearce, of Hugh J Wnrd fame, who is not only a sterling character artist, but. also possesses a very fine baritone voice of qmility and power. Air. Pearce is, indeed, a snlemiid acquisition Io an already pnnuLar company. Tn Air. Pearco and Mr Hylton Osborne, Hie revue company has two singers of exceptional merit not tn mention Afiss ALarvlin AtcGiV nnd the charmin'" young Rodney Sisters Newcomers on the vaudeville hill arc Clvdo and Vvoffo. makin" their first anncaraneo in Wellington. This is a. whistling. musical, and dancino- turn, presented on novel lines. Afiss Vyetto wiV ho remembered a« Elorre Dean, scoring her most successful anpenranco under this title, with Emilie Polini in flic Eves of Youth.” Mr. Clvdo has been associated with tnanv nonular onsfn.mc comoilv companies, and is well known thronighoiif the Commonwealth as the "human guitar" Those groat f.avon.r ilea T orn.a. T.nnoo and Co., also Portin’ nnd Bvrne, are to ho seen in their les< wook In a. now programme , of mnsica’ numbers, fn which oomedv is not Inch ’ng. while Carfhv Pros., popular comedians. will ol«o offer a new presentation of humour and song. ARTfPAVT TTTT’ATH'R The final screening will fake place at tho Artcraft Theatre to-night of tha.t finn production. "The Sporting Venus. It is a story of fun and thrill, telling of two men who love the daughter of a wealthy Scottish nobleman. One. a commoner, whose love seems hopeless: the other a' Continental prince whose lovo has been inspired bv an .am”' of creditors. The prince is crafty nnd almost succeeds in his. purpose, when Lady Gwen’s lawyers investigate him. Bv then, however, flic other lover is estranged, but all comes right eventually. Gerald Beanniont lias , packed ninny dramatic moments info this story. Four ofher excellent and varied pictures make tin a verv fine bill. all. to music bv James Havelock. Commencing to-morrow night. for three nielifs only. Marion Davies will make her annearnnee in "Yolanda.” a 'Mro-Coldwv” nirfei-e at H’n *rf-raft Thcat-0 "Vofandn” is elnsorihcil n« the finest and most beautiful picture in which Miss Davies has vet annear. cd. Tt has macnificenee of cofH’”’

and a story of action and thrill, swift drama uud historical accuracy. It is from the story by Charles Major. It is action all through, be it the resounding slap of a serving wench tu answer to the bold advances of a boisterous soldier, or the moments when steel battle-axes and broadswords are sinking deep into I lie mail-clad foeman. NEW PRINCESS THEATRE. Wallace Beery, Raymond Hatton, and Mary Brian are the stars of “Behind the Front,” the big Paramount war comedy which beads the current programme at the Now princess Theatre. A tale of the humorous adventures of two American privates in France, the picture goes on from one comic situation to another still funnier. As soldiers, the two comedians are a failure, but as laughtci producers they are a wonderful success, nud one look is cmixp to make anyone laugh. The second picture is “Let’s Get Married,’’ a last-moving comedy starring Richard Dix and Lois Wilson. Dix lias the part of a youth who, fresh from college, makes such a nuisance of himself that he is finally sent Io gaol for thirtv days. How ho keeps up his courtship while in gaol makes many a laugh. The third feature is “The Life of Jack Hobbs," a most interesting film, giving glimpses nf that great cricketer on the field and oil’. PE LUXE THEATRE. “The Midnight Sun," a Universal Super Jewel, which is at the De Luxe Theatre, is a thrilling storv of the Russia of the Tsars. Its action takes place in 1913. By her beauty and charm a young dancing girl has brought herself up from the chorus to the position of premiere ballerina oi the Imperial Russian Ballet. She finds her two most persistent suitors in the persons of a banker and a Russian Grand Duke. The dancing girl plays one against the other, but gives her affections to a young officer in the Duke’s persona) guard. Then follows a dramatic story of intrigue and romance fringed with all the luxurious elegance of life in the Russian capital of that period. Laura la Plante has the principal role, the other featured players being Pat O’Malley, Raymond Keane and George Siegmann. KING’S THEATRE. The combination of Hobart Henley as director and Norma Shearer ns star, with Lew Cody in the leading male role, is proving irresistible. This trio lias made a decided hit in "His Secretary,” which is now at the King’s Theatre. Norina Shearer is shown as a comedienne of great ability, a claim that few stars of equal dramatic talent can make. Lew Cody, recognised as one of the screen’s foremost light comedians, has full opportunity fo demonstrate his talent He has an individual style that has firmly entrenched him in the very first rank of artists and his popularity is over on the increase. With sterling support from Willard Lous and Karl Dane, a famous Danish stage figure, these _ artists provide a very entertaining: screenplay. This attraction is the screen version of a story by Carey Wilson, and is directed bv Hobart Henley. Excellent supports and a pleasant musical programme are further attractions. QUEEN’S THEATRE: All the elements which made "The Bat” on the stage the ihost successful play of excitement, have been crystallised into a superb screen presentation bv Roland West, which is now showing at the Queens’ Theatre. Here wo have murder done, robbery attempted, pursuit frustrated, mystery distilled and double-distilled, solution deferred, and denouement that is all surprise. _ They are tho big ingredients of the fascinating mystery melodrama masterfully assembled in “The Bat,’’ as tho most ambitious effort of tho kind in motion pictures. Although vast crowds have sopn “The Bat” during its career, tho secret of tho identity of tho uhantom criminal has boon well kept, and the management has appealed for tho same loyally during tho season at Hie Queen’s Theatre A powerful cast is headed bv Jewel Carmen, Louise Fazenda. .Tael- Pickford Jullio Carminati. and Emilv Filzroy. A gazette and scenic are in sunnorl., with tuneful music bv tho orchestra. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. “Tho Wilderness Woman.” the now Robert Kane production for First national. now showing at the Paramount Theatre, tel’s the storv of on Alaskan miner and his dan.ohter who. hnvin"

suddenly struck it tremendously rich in the far north, set out fur New I ork The adventures that befall them when for tho first time, thyv come in contact with the conventions and restrictions of modern civilisation ate productive, of the comedy. tn the roles of the rich miner and liis daughter, Chester Conklin and Aileen Pringle appear to attractive advantage. This is Miss Pringle's Hr<t comedy part, and she is a different actress from what she has been in the Elinor Glyn and vampire roles Lowell Sherman, usually the villain, appears Ibis time as hero. The supports are a gazette, scenic, and comedy, with capital music, b.v the orchestra. DRAMATIC RECITAL. Miss Clodagli Russell announces an nvitation dramatic and verse-speaking recital in the Concert Chamber 10-night. nt 8.15. Miss Russell, who recent ly arrived from England, is said to bring n new note Info tho etoenl tonarv art— Hie restless post-war spirit. She is a pupil of Miss Marjorie Gallon, of Gias gow. where she took the complete com-si in dramatic art. verse choir, recitation and voice production. CARNIVAL AND TUG-OF-AVAR. The carnival in St. Francis Hall is drawing large crowds, and the hall was full on Saturday night. The dancing of Mr. Knowsley’s pupils was much appreciated, while the spectacular display was greeted with great applause. The tug-of-war is becoming more interesting each night. Harlen’s team had a comfortable win over Mnkara, and Guilfoyle’s team created a surprise b.v securing the verdict over Cahill’s bv inches after one of the most strenuous pulls of the tournament ARTILLERY QUEEN CAMPAIGN. At noon to-day in tlio Post Office Square a series of novel races will commence. Balloons aro to be released, and flic person who returns tho label from the one that goes the furthest distance before 5 p.m. on December 18. 192(5, will bo the recipient of a very substantial money prize. The organiser has run a considerable number of these tacos in England and has found them to be a very popular form of sport:. Ono nf the organiser's balloons released at Tenterdcn. Kent, England, is stated Io have been picked up in Algeria. IJOO miles away. . MTLLICENT KNIGHT RECITAL. After five years’ study iu England, Miss .Millicent Knight (mezzo-soprano, has returned to Welliugtou, ami will give a recital in (lie Town Jlall cn November 29, at 8 p.m. Miss Knight will bo assisted by Air. Leon do Mauuy (violin), and .Mr. Harold Whittle (accuiupauist). The box plan will open at the Bristol this moruiug. COMMEKCIsAL TRAVELLERS’ CONCERT. That the AVellingtou Commercial Travellers and Warehomemen's Association Male Voice Choir and others aro capable of giving a concert far above the usual faro provided by amateurs was amply demonstrated at the Town Hall on Saturday night, when the Concert Chamber was filled to its utmost capacity by a largo crowd, who thoroughly enjoyed ov«y item on the prograinmo at their third concert of the season Tho main attraction was tho choir, which, under the able direction of Mr. • 11. Temple White, was responsible for ednie very fine singing indeed. The singers kept in spleudid time and ex cclleut harmony was blended iu all numbers—some of which were very difficult indeed. “The Hallelujah Chorus” (Handel). common euough with a mixed choir was sung without the aid of women, and though, of course, the high soprano pitch and the contralto voice were noticeably missing, it was delivered remarkably well. “The Long Day Closes” (Sullivan) was rendered very, feelingly, ami it was easy to see the song was sung with a purpose. The item was in memory ot Janies Searle, who died in October, and the audience stood reverently while it was being rendered. A selection oi part songs and choruses were al! delivered by the choir in a manner that showed ninny. to have perfectly trained voices. 15. 11. Muyall. Egerton Pegg and W. AV.' Marshall, who acted as soloist in some of tho items mentioned, gave very pleasing performances. Apart from the choir, the big success of tlieevening was (he beautiful violin playing of Mr. Loon De Manny, who ro ceived a groat and prolonged ovation at the conclusion of each number. Tho Aeolian Quartet, comprising B. H Ma.vall. A. Coe, AV. Church, and 1) Hall, soou established themselves as warm favourites when thev began io sing amusing and clever songs. Miss Nellie Amies used her fine contralto voice to advantage in a. pleasing solo and Messrs. Harry Phipps (tenor)- and AV. Goudie’s (baritone) solos were, as always, popular. Mr. Harold AAliittle was at tho piano. ADELPHI CABARET, v An announcement is made to-day that Sam. Stern, the well-known entainer, will remain at tho Adelphi Cabaret for six more nights, with , a complete change of programme. The addition of this attraction to the usual entertainment at the Adelphi Cabaret makes an unusually attractive offering. Dancing commences at 8.30 each night and concludes at 1 a.m. ORGAN RECITAL. The weekly organ recital was given at the Town Hall last evening by Mr. Bernard F. Page, city org-mist. The programme comprised Fantasia and Fijgue in A Minor, by Bach; Pavane. bv Byrd; Musette, by Dan Irien-Page; Reverie, b.v Debussy- Toccata in F, by Cesar Franck; Gavotta from 12th Sonata, by Martini: Psychological Poem (for orchestral, "be Genie et la Mort.” Op. 11, No. 6. by Rehikoff. Meditation (No. 3 in C Sharp Minor), by Ropartz. CONCERT AT LOWER. HUTT. The Hutt Valley ChoralJgocietv will give a concert in the King George Theatre. Lower Hutt, to-morrow night Tho programme -will consist of part sonffs uud Oowcn’s ciiiitciiii, St. John ? Eve.”